24 JUNE 2024 By Rachael Bouley An international adventure awaits Katya Zach, who will head to Grenoble, France, at the foot of the French Alps, to stay with a host family for three weeks as a Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador. Katya is one of two U.S. youth ambassadors making the trip in June. The mission? Experience life in another country and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures as they meet with their counterparts. After returning to the States, Katya will host her French counterpart for three weeks. The latter will live with the family and experience the sights and sounds of the American Southwest. Katya said that this eye-opening experience is a huge honor. “I’m incredibly excited about the trip and want to make it as meaningful as possible for my counterpart in France and me,” she said. “I’m also happy to be visiting the beautiful city of Grenoble to form connections, experience the culture and explore the area.” Katya got involved in the program thanks to her school counselor, who recommended she apply. The process required a personal statement and several essays. “I’m excited to meet my host sister in person. I take French in school, so this will be a perfect opportunity to fully immerse myself in the language,” she said. “I’m also excited for the food and the beautiful landscape of the Alps.” There’s lots more to look forward to, from hikes with her host family to sightseeing and exploring local villages. Katya said she’s intrigued by the differences between the U.S. and France and aims to develop a stronger appreciation for both cultures. “I want to get a broader view of the world and enter into the culture as a tourist, but also as an active part of my host family and their customs,” Katya said. Phoenix joined Sister Cities in 1972 and has been linked with Grenoble since 1990. The nonprofit fosters relationships between the people of Phoenix and Sister Cities worldwide to promote friendship, peace and prosperity. The Ambassador Exchange Program is designed to create meaningful connections with other countries through their youth, and while representing Phoenix Sister Cities is a big responsibility, Katya said she is ready for it. “We expect to meet with the mayor of Grenoble, government officials, and school administrators,” Katya said. “We will learn about the culture as much as we can and participate in their day-to-day lives to better understand France and its people.” She hopes this is just the start of a long- lasting connection and dreams of returning to the country for work or study. “My goal is to study astronomy/ astrophysics in university and one day participate in a mission to outer space. I am also interested in medicine and forensics,” Katya said. “Whichever path I take, I know that the exchange program will give me insight into future opportunities that I could never get anywhere else.” Katya hopes to inspire other students to apply for the program, too. “When I applied, I never thought I would actually get the opportunity to do something like this,” she said. “It paid off and taught me to have confidence in myself and what I can achieve.” phoenixsistercities.org Veritas Prep junior named Youth Ambassador Katya Zach will represent Phoenix Sister Cities on a trip to France this summer. PHOTO COURTESY OF KATYA ZACH